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Taco night isn't complete without soft, warm tortillas! This easy guide shows you how to heat tortillas three ways and keep them warm - no drying out.
Jump to:
- What You Need to Warm Tortillas
- Method 1: How to Warm Tortillas in the Oven
- Method 2: How to Heat Tortillas in the Microwave
- Method 3: How to Warm Tortillas on a Dry Skillet or Griddle
- Isabel's Top Tips for Warming Tortillas
- How to Keep Tortillas Warm All Day
- What to Serve with Warm Tortillas
- How to Warm Tortillas
- Reviews
No taco night is complete without a stack of perfectly warm, toasty tortillas! If you've ever had properly heated tortillas at a taco bar, you know how much of a difference it makes.
A warm tortilla isn't just softer and more pliable - it also brings out the natural flavor of the tortilla, and gives your tacos, burritos, and quesadillas a restaurant-quality feel. Luckily, warming tortillas the right way is incredibly easy.
There are three simple methods that work like a charm. If you're in a hurry, the microwave is a quick option for warming a few tortillas in seconds, but for that lightly toasted texture and flavor, you can heat them on the stove using a skillet. Or, for a crowd, the oven is perfect for warming up a big batch all at once!
What You Need to Warm Tortillas
- Tortillas (flour or corn): This method will work for both flour and corn tortillas, so choose whichever you want to work with. Flour tortillas are made using regular flour, while corn tortillas use masa harina, which is a ground corn flour. Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but more prone to crumbling, which is why learning how to warm them properly makes such a significant difference!
- Aluminum foil (oven method): For the oven method, you will be wrapping your tortillas in aluminum foil.
- Paper towels (microwave method): For the microwave method, damp paper towels help warm the tortillas without drying them out.
- Skillet (dry skillet method): If you're warming tortillas in a skillet, all you need is your favorite pan. For corn tortillas, I recommend just a little oil as well.
Method 1: How to Warm Tortillas in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. While it's warming, wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil.
- Place the foil-wrapped tortillas in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Keep wrapped in foil until ready to serve!
Method 2: How to Heat Tortillas in the Microwave
- Place the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, with a damp paper towel layered between each tortilla.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds to a minute, until heated through.
- Remove, and serve immediately!
Method 3: How to Warm Tortillas on a Dry Skillet or Griddle
- Heat a dry cast iron skillet, nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one tortilla at a time directly on the hot pan, and cook for 15-20 seconds.
- Flip with tongs, and cook another 15-20 seconds.
- Remove once the tortilla is hot and starts developing char marks, then place on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel until ready to serve!
Isabel's Top Tips for Warming Tortillas
- Make sure to cover the tortillas after they're heated! Foil or a kitchen towel work well for sealing in moisture so the tortillas don't get dry.
- Make sure to place damp paper towel between each layer when microwaving tortillas. This will ensure they don't stick together and tear!
- These methods work for both corn and flour tortillas, as well as gluten-free tortillas!
- For a real treat, heat tortillas in foil on the grill while you're cooking meat or veggies. The steam from the meat will flavor the tortillas deliciously.
How to Keep Tortillas Warm All Day
Once your tortillas are nice and toasty, you'll want them to stay warm! Keeping tortillas warm for a party is super easy:
- For short periods: Keep tortillas warm by placing them on a plate and wrapping it with foil or a kitchen towel.
- For long periods: Wrap the warm tortillas in a damp dish towel, then place it in a slow cooker set to LOW - perfect for a buffet. They will stay warm for hours!
What to Serve with Warm Tortillas
Each method for warming tortillas has its perks, so you can choose the one that fits your needs best. Once you know how to warm tortillas properly, you'll never skip this step again - it's a small change that makes a big difference at the dinner table!
How to Warm Tortillas
Video
Equipment
- Aluminum foil for oven preparation
- Paper towel for microwave preparation
- Microwave-safe plate for microwave preparation
- Skillet for stovetop preparation
- Dish towel for keeping warm
Ingredients
- 8 Tortillas - flour or corn
Instructions
How to Warm Tortillas in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. While it's warming, wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil.
- Place the foil-wrapped tortillas in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
- Keep wrapped in foil until ready to serve!
How to Warm Tortillas in the Microwave
- Place the tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, with a damp paper towel layered between each tortilla.
- Microwave on high for 30 seconds to a minute, until heated through.
- Remove, and serve immediately!
How to Warm Tortillas on a Skillet or Griddle
- Heat a dry cast iron skillet, nonstick pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one tortilla at a time directly on the hot pan, and cook for 15-20 seconds.
- Flip with tongs, and cook another 15-20 seconds.
- Remove once the tortilla is hot and starts developing char marks, then place on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel until ready to serve!
Notes
- Make sure to cover the tortillas after they're heated! Foil or a kitchen towel work well for sealing in moisture so the tortillas don't get dry.
- Make sure to place damp paper towel between each layer when microwaving tortillas. This will ensure they don't stick together and tear!
- These methods work for both corn and flour tortillas, as well as gluten-free tortillas!
- For a real treat, heat tortillas in foil on the grill while you're cooking meat or veggies. The steam from the meat will flavor the tortillas deliciously.
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